debug-root

Diagnose recurring software bugs through a structured six-phase workflow.

Updated Apr 11, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/leessju/claude-skills --skill debug-root
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: debug-root
Source: https://github.com/leessju/claude-skills/tree/main/debug-root
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/leessju/claude-skills --skill debug-root

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill helps teams diagnose root causes when the same bug is fixed multiple times but the issue reoccurs, guiding a disciplined six-phase workflow instead of ad-hoc fixes.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Freeze phase: inventory all prior changes without making new ones and infer why each attempt failed.
  • Trace phase: read code paths and data flows without executing the program to validate entry points and paths.
  • Diagnose phase: specify a concrete file/line-level root cause with supporting evidence.
  • Challenge phase: test counterfactuals and strengthen the diagnosis.
  • Fix phase: apply minimal, targeted changes only once.
  • Verify phase: explain why the fix resolves the symptom and cover edge cases. Use case: when a bug has been fixed multiple times but reappears, this skill provides a repeatable diagnosis and corrective workflow.

Quick Start

Describe the repeated-bug symptom, then drive through the six-phase workflow to isolate and fix the root cause.

Frequently Asked Questions about debug-root

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I find the root cause of a recurring bug that keeps reappearing after multiple fixes?

A recurring bug requires a structured debugging workflow that inventories prior failed fixes, traces code paths without execution, and specifies a concrete file-level root cause with supporting evidence before applying a targeted fix.

What is the best way to debug code when repeated fixes fail to prevent the issue?

Stop making ad-hoc changes and follow a disciplined diagnosis workflow that freezes prior attempts, traces data flows, challenges counterfactuals, and applies a minimal targeted fix only once to break the repeat-bug cycle.

How do I trace code paths and data flows without executing the program to validate entry points?

Trace code paths by reading source code statically to validate entry points and data flows, isolating the exact file and line-level root cause before making new changes.

When do I need a structured phase workflow for bug tracking and diagnosis?

You need a structured phase workflow for bug tracking when the same symptom reappears after multiple fixes, requiring evidence-based diagnosis and traceability instead of isolated patches.

Does evidence-based diagnosis work for complex software projects with stubborn bugs?

Yes, evidence-based diagnosis works for complex software projects by enforcing traceability across six phases, ensuring you specify concrete file-level root causes and verify edge cases before finalizing the fix.